2016 Proposed Revision of TOS for BLEPP

Dear PAP members,

The PRB/Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology (PRBP) recently sent a proposed revision of the TOS (Table of Specifications for Psychology) for the licensure exams (see embedded file).  

We are requesting our PAP members to read and comment on the revisions made re: TOS.  We hope to receive your comments within next week for  PAP collation, comments will then be forwarded to the PRB board.

Kindly direct your emails to Dr. John Manuel Kliatchko (jmr_kliatchko@yahoo.com) and Dr. Ma. Paz A. Manaligod  (mariepazm@yahoo.com).

We appreciate your kind attention.

Sincerely,

Ma. Paz A. Manaligod, PhD, RP
Executive Secretary

Unlike the weights for Psychologist Board Exam, for Psychometricians the weights remain the same. The 2016 proposed TOS is observed to be expanded adding more items to the former enumerated out. So it will be more challenging for the examinees to answer. However, the TOS is now more specific and clearer since it was expanded. Some of the outcomes if not the same were restated to make them clearer. 

The use of words such as assess, compare, evaluate, explain, analyze and distinguish belong to the higher level  in the hierarchy of Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning categorized in the level of Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation.

As such, the BLEPP as an outcome based exam, examinees should pay more attention on the kind of questions they are required to answer and employ corresponding skills necessary to pass the exam.  Since the exam is not simply recall or memorizing and remembering data or facts.

We hope that readers will do as requested by PAP to provide them comment about the TOS that they will forward to the PRB. So we provided a table and our comments comparing the 2014 (old) TOS with the 2016 (proposed) TOS. You can comment both on the comment section of this blog and in our FB page/groups.

TOS items 1, 2, and 5 are restatements, although higher level of thinking is required. Item No. 3 on theories and models is more explicitly than its 2014 version. Item No. 4 perhaps the use of "multipath model" is more appropriate than "multipath theory" per David Sue's (Understanding Abnormal Behavior, 9th Ed.) "The multi-path model is not a theory, but a way of looking at the variety and complexity of contributors to 
mental disorders."

Mostly carry over of the previous TOS except for item 2, it is explicit on group test results and item 5 added outcome is the implication to test interpretations when there's deviations committed and non-standardized practices. 

 TOS for item 2 the outcome task is more on evaluation (determine and appraise) unlike the previous one which is just to identify factors affecting personality. Also, in item 3 is more expanded to include research methods and including behavior, attitude and values of Filipinos (which may form part of personality). 

TOS for item 1 is expanded to include tools and methods in employee selection (outcome is on analysis).  Items 2 and 3 are also expanded particularly on the aspect of major considerations, strategies and methods. Item 4 added compensation systems. Item 5 is expanded to include leadership and organizational development. Item 6 also expanded to include functional units of Human Resource Management System. Item 7 expanded to include also implications of work life balance and well being to I/O Psychology.  



Related links

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/06/comparison-bloom-and-tos-required.html

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/06/outcomes-assessment-faq-examples-and.html

EXPECTATION VS. REALITY [BLEPP 2016 VERSION TIPS]

"Mag-aral ng maaga nang hindi maabala!"

Ito ay isang mahalagang paalala. Dahil malayo pa ang board examination (sa August), marami sa mga nagrereview ang hindi pa ganoong kaseryoso.

Alam ko iyan, dumaan rin ako diyan! Yung tipong pakiramdam mo punong-puno ka ng motivation tapos once na nasa harapan ka ng reviewers mo nalilito ka na kung ano uunahin mo. Kasi alam mo yun? Parang parehas silang matimbang sa'yo. Charot! 💔

Malayo yung expectation sa reality ng pagrereview. Mahirap siyang gawin lalo na kung self-review ka. Kaya kung nag enroll ka sa review center, grab mo na yung opportunity na makinig kasi mayroon kang matututunan, alam mo iyon hindi ka makakauwi kaagad kahit kating-kati ka na kasi nagbayad ka! Mapipilitan ka mag-aral! 😤😂😂

Eh kapag sa self-review, ganito magiging scenario [inspired by true events 👻👻]:

Kapag nasa kwarto ka, tinatawag ka ng kama at unan mo na matulog ka na o humilata ka. Kapag sa sala ka naman, tatawagin ka ng TV para manood, o kaya naman kapag nasa kitchen ka, tatawagin ka ng mga plato at pagkain na naghuhumiyaw sa loob ng ref. 😂😁

1. Mag jot down kung nasa review center ka o kung wala man magsulat ka pa rin sa mga nababasa mo sa book. Mas maganda gumawa ka ng sarili mong reviewer kasi mas madali mo iyon maiintindihan.

2. Makipag-collaborate sa mga co-reviewees. Mas mataas ang retention kapag nagshe-share sa mga kasama. For sure, marami rin naman tayong matututunan mula sa mga kasamahan natin.

3. Mag-organize at magschedule ng mga babasahin. (Please kahit sa isang araw man lang may matutunan ka)

4. Siguraduhing susundin mo ang mga nakaschedule mo.

5. Kumain ng pagkain dahil mahalaga yan! 🐷🐷🐷

6. Magrelax pero wag naman masyadong relax (wag puro twerk twerk, werk werk werk rin)

7. Claim it! Attract good vibes!! 🌟🙏

Oh sya, kita-kits sa oath-taking ha! Claim it! <3 👏👌👊

Love lots,

RPm na nagtuturo. HAHAHA.

#lovepsych #Jedi

Now Available! PRC Online Application for Exam for First Timers and NCR-based

Good news to all those planning to take BLEPP 2016 here in Manila/NCR-based. Please note that PRC online application for exam is now available. Also the application is available only for first timers. Perhaps repeaters will be scheduled on a later time.

Follow these steps:

1) Log-in to your PRC online account ( https://www.prc-online.com/ )
(You must have created first your online PRC account - http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2016/05/prc-online-application-for-examination.html )

2) Click Select transaction (orange block/square)

3) Click Examination and the menu below will appear

  

4) Click proceed and menu below will appear. Choose from the calendar your desired appointment date - starting tomorrow - 23 May 2016.

5) After choosing the date click payment mode - over the counter, online, mobile or Bayad Center. Below would be the transaction receipt which you can bring to your chosen payment mode/option. 

6) Below is the transaction instruction when paying using the Bayad Center through dragonpay.

7) Once you have paid, you can then bring your payment receipt to PRC together with your necessary documents to apply for examination. Below is the checklist of requirements for first timers.

Do give us a feedback on your experience for us to share with others.

For those living outside Manila, check your PRC regional office if application is already open and do let us know to share with others also. Let us wait for further advise for repeaters who will be taking BLEPP 2016 here in Manila and NCR. Share with us information on this regard.

For other information re BLEPP refer to this link -  http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/faq-madalas-na-ta.html

Good luck to all. 

Team Dynamics Quiz for BLEPP 2016

Image taken from the internet

Quiz 

1) Described as group of people with different functional expertise working toward a common goal. They come from different departments or units of an organization formed to share information, come up with solutions and address, such team is called 

A.  Virtual team 

B.  Task force team

C.  Cross-functional team 

D.  Self-managed work team

2) From among the choices, which of the following does not describe an effective team   

A.  smooth interpersonal relationship

B.  some degree of resolvable conflict 

C.  a degree of social loafing

D.  concrete team goals

3) How many members are considered the most effective size for teams?

A. Up to 5 members

B. Up to 7 members

C. Up to 9 members

D. Up to 15 members

4) In order, what are stages of team formation goes through according to Tuckman?

A.  Norming, storming, forming, performing, adjourning

B.  Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

C.  Forming, staining, norming, performing, adjourning

D.  Founding, norming, storming, performing, adjourning

5) What is groupthink?

A. team pressure to think in a particular way   

B.  individual  compromise to fit within the group

C.  Group assembly to think and exchange ideas

D. Group solution by way of negotiation 

6) A group that is composed of individuals with voluntary membership status, having a low degree of authority, and requiring a high degree of management engagement is called 

A.  Quality circle 

B.  Virtual team

C.  Self-managed team

D.  Cross-functional team 

7) Magiliw Company  implemented team approach when it reorganized. Managers have now little involvement in directing the functioning of these teams that have some moderate authority to govern themselves with the most efficient and effective way they perform their  work.  The team is considered as 

A.  Advisory team 

B.  Cross-functional team

C. Self-managed work team

D.  Virtual team

8) One of characteristics of an effective team player that should not be on the list:

A.  collective leadership skills.

B.  good interpersonal skills.

C.  pursuit of self-initiative 

D. capacity to delegate and trust members

9) It is considered as the particular benefit of teamwork to the organization as a whole

A.  Higher and contagious motivation

B.  Skills and technical expertise are shared and transferred

C.  Sense of worth and fulfillment  

D.  Job enrichment

10) Who is considered as a Shaper in the Belbin Team Role

A.  Creative, imaginative, free-thinking, strength is of generating ideas and solving difficult problems

B.  Single-minded, self-starting, dedicated, reliable when it comes to providing  knowledge and skills 

C.  Challenging, dynamic, thrives on pressure, the driving force is courage to overcome obstacles

D.  Outgoing, enthusiastic, communicative, a networker who explores opportunities and other possibilities 

11. In the study of  Katzenbach and Smith (1993), what is the reason why it is difficult to achieve a high performance team 

A.  Turnover of high achievers who get promoted and transfered 

B.  People have their own individual goals to pusue 

C.  Different position in an organization prevents people to effectively perform in a team

D.  There is an involvement of higher levels of trust and commitment.

12. Recognizing the importance of team in your company which among the following should  not be included in recognizing team effort through monetary rewards?

A.  periodically assess or upgrade the system for rewards and compensation

B.  institutionalize a democratic system for members to develop rating system 

C.  allot time to reflect and execute changes in the reward system 

D.  devise an elaborate and complicated system for reward 

13. As a Quality Control Engineer you serve as the leader for a team composed of  members coming from your department, production, planning, and plant engineering. Your team can be considered as 

A.  self-managed work team

B.  problem-solving team

C.  task force

D. cross-functional team

14. Among the characteristics of an effective team are context, composition, work design and process. Identify which characteristic of a team that refers to presence of adequate resources, effective leadership, climate of trust, performance evaluation and reward.

A.  Process 

B.  Composition

C.  Work design

D.  Context

15. A team member that serves to coordinate and integrates the activities of team members.

A.  adviser 

B.  organizer

C.  linker 

D. maintainer

16. An important contribution of internet and communication technology is the ability of organizations to overcome boundaries and time and still achieve team goals.

A.  problem-solving teams

B.   task forces

C.  cross-functional teams

D.  virtual teams

Transfer your answers here:

Go to this Link - testmoz.com/736590

User name - enter your email address

Passcode - ganap

(You can take the quiz as many times as you want using the same user name and passcode to perfect the quiz. Only correct answers are being displayed.)

Related Links :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-functional_team

http://humanresources.about.com/od/teambuildingfaqs/f/optimum-team-size.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_composition

Why take the Psychometrician Exam?

I have one question in mind tonight as I ponder on my career options. WHY TAKE THE PSYCHOMETRICIAN EXAM? This question is not limited to those who will be taking the exam this year.  In fact, this goes to everyone in the Philippine psychology community. And along with this question is a ripple of other questions.

I am a licensed psychometrician (RPm). I am currently working as a job order records clerk for the HR's office at a local hospital. At PhP 225.00 a day, I make my job worthwhile by telling myself I will have opportunities opened soon. After all, I am a psychometrician and a professional civil servant (took the exam way before RA 10029). Right? well, reality check? Not really. As my job would have it, I've had the chance to see nurses fresh from their licensure examinations get hired. Nurse 1, Salary grade 11, basic pay PhP 18,549. And thanks to the recent Senate Bill 2583, entry level nurses will soon be at salary grade 15, a relatively impressive PhP 24,887. Even job order medical technologists are at an advantage at PhP 295 a day. When they get hired as Med tech 1, they are on same level with our nurses at salary grade 11. The same goes with the rest of our professionals: radiology technologists, pharmacists, social workers, the list goes on. 

Even midwives who finish a 3-year course get hired at salary grade 6, PhP 12,921. No intention to downgrade the said professions, but there is some envy at work here. I couldn't help but feel for our profession. Consider this, when I took the exam one of my co-examinees had a bout of nausea. The proctors went on to aid him. And as things were clearing up and the test administrator was walking back to her post, I overheard her say and let me just translate it, "How could you faint with such an easy exam?" This is the onlooker's point of view. 

Not to be conceited, but of course, anyone who'd taken the test will attest to its difficulty. The point is, society's regard of our profession is low. And it's not just society, the provisions on the practice of psychometry is narrow and limited. In accordance with Sec. 3 (d), Article III of R.A. No. 10029, a psychometrician is authorized to do any of the activities specified in the section; Provided, that these activities shall at all times be conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist. Fine and well if you live in an urbanized area with a flow of psychologists to work with, but more often than not it is quite difficult to find work. Especially one that follows the salary standardization law. 

Hopes are high because, finally, psychological tests are gradually becoming in demand in government institutions such as in the hospital I work for. Imagine my excitement when the administration decided to open a psychological facility. But then again I checked the job opening and it was only for psychologists. Yes, i may be reassigned to the facility as a psychometrician (that is IF they find a psychologist in this remote island far away), but there is no such plantilla for that. Still, I'll be on a job order status. And by the way psychologist 1 is salary grade 11. Note that these are professionals with a master's degree or maybe a Ph.D. Someone must push for the standardization of this profession. This is the current reality of our profession, at least in my point of view. RN's can be nurses, RMT's can be Medical  Technologists and so on; duly registered professionals have all the opportunity to practice their craft. Here's to hoping someday we, as psychometricians, can level up to their status.         

As for me maybe I'd be on a job order basis for the rest of my career despite of all my sacrifices just to to take the exam. Unless I drift off to some other career other than psychometry. Maybe there others like me too. I am sharing this so that we can push for a standardization law for our profession, when we don't need to ask why we should take the exam, where RPm's can be psychometricians.

(Note: With permission from the letter sender we are sharing her message here in our blog on her predicament as RPm working in the government with the compensation she is receiving. We would like to get feedback from readers and your suggestion on what needs to be done to address this issue.)

(Image source - http://careersinpsychology.org)

PRC Online Application for Examination

Watch these videos and read through the slide for your guide on the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Online Application for Examination. Credit to PRC (https://www.prc-online.com/) and another author of the video - Teachers in PH.

Anyone can now register or create their online account at PRC. It will be a requirement to sign-up and fill the online form before you can file for the application for examination.

For those asking when to apply for examination - as observed in the PRC calendar here - http://www.prc.gov.ph/page.aspx?id=3071  the Psychologist/Psychometrician schedule is not yet in orange (color) meaning the link for the application is not yet active. So continue to monitor that link to know if the link is already live only then can you apply.

For now, as of posting 6 May 2016 the link is not yet live so you can not apply ahead or early on - just wait for the #tamangpanahon.

For your other queries and concerns visit and read these links to familiarize yourself with #BLEPP2016:

Brochure on Psychometrician by PRC
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/psychometrics-is-specialized-field-and.html

Madalas na Tanong (FAQ)
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/faq-madalas-na-ta.html

RA 10029 - Philippine Psychology Act of 2009
http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/ra-10029-or-philippine-psychology-act.html

PAP Official Statement on the Nature, Purpose, and Utility of Psychological Evaluation Reports

(Note - this statement was issued by the  Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) at the height of a controversy when an online news published to the public the result of psychological test of one of the presidential candidates for the 2016 May elections. This statement appeared and taken from this link: http://www.pap.org.ph/ and also posted at the FB page of PAP that appeared here - https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153386008415388&id=148851815387 )



April 22, 2016


Statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) on the Nature, Purpose, and Utility of Psychological Evaluation Reports

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) considers the recent reference of a psychological evaluation report regarding one of the candidates for the coming national elections as an opportunity for clarification about the nature and purpose of psychology as a scientific discipline and professional practice.  Underlying this humanistic science and practice is a fundamental valuing of the inherent dignity and rights of each individual.   

In giving this statement, the PAP wishes to explicitly declare its intention neither to endorse nor to oppose any specific political candidate.  We believe in the individual's right and capacity to form his/her own opinions and political convictions based on his/her experiences and reason. This statement defends this right and is not intended to push for any particular political persuasion.  It only wishes to clarify the nature, purpose, and utility of psychological practices, particularly the psychological evaluation report.  

The PAP wishes to inform the public of the following:  

Firstly, the PAP upholds the proper use of psychological evaluation results, ensuring that these are not utilized as a means of undermining the character of any person, private or public.  The PAP Code of Ethics for Psychologists (PAP, 2009) lists as its first guiding principle the "Respect for the dignity of persons."  In essence, any social science or profession engaged in human services aims to enhance the functioning and wellbeing of any person.  The intentional misuse of information derived from such a service (i.e., psychological evaluation) is a clear violation of this principle.   Using psychological evaluation reports for purposes other than their original intent fosters the stigmatization of people who try to gain access to mental health services and delivery of public health in general.

Secondly, the PAP upholds the individual's right for privacy and confidential communications.  Psychological practice necessitates the careful and secure handling of records and documents concerning clients, including assessment reports. Psychological evaluations or assessments are done for various purposes and in different contexts (e.g., industry, medical, educational, forensic, etc.), and will focus on relevant information that fulfills the goals of the assessment within each given context.  In the event that the psychological assessment report is to be submitted as part of the requirements for a legal procedure, such as, a court proceeding for the petition for the declaration of nullity of marriage, it then becomes a public document. However, this does not grant permission for anybody to use it for any purpose other than its original intent. Psychological assessments are designed and conducted based on the individual’s reason for undergoing one.  Hence, results of the assessment primarily address this reason, and cannot simply and easily be generalized to the person’s other intentions and behaviors.  

Thirdly, the PAP upholds the ethical practice of basing assessment decisions and recommendations on data and test results that are updated and relevant to the current purpose. Hence, we do not utilize outdated and possibly obsolete assessment results to describe and explain an individual’s current functioning.  Assessments done several years back may be valid then but may not be completely reflective of the person’s present functioning. We acknowledge that certain aspects of psychological functioning remain stable over a long period of time, but subsequent interventions or life experiences may likewise affect many aspects of one's psychological functioning.  

Lastly, the PAP would like to correct the common use of the term “psycho test” to refer to the process of psychological evaluations or assessment.  This process often entails the use of various methods, and standardized psychological tests are just one of the methods often employed.  The usage of the term is misleading in that it creates the impression that psychological tests are the only tools used in diagnosing mental illnesses and psychological disorders. The fact is mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, etc.) are the ones who diagnose with the use of various assessment methods, not solely on the basis of results from psychological tests. 

The PAP reiterates its mission to strengthen Philippine psychology's scientific base in support of a relevant and humanistic practice of its profession.  We seek to enhance a greater understanding of psychological truths that enhance the wellbeing of each individual, regardless of race, gender, age, education, political convictions, etc. We pray that this statement brings to light the fundamental principles and good practices that guide the profession, which other professions and the general public can appreciate and respect.